Kawerau shooting: Three homes searched

NO ENTRY: Armed police at one of the houses police checked out in relation to the shooting of two men in Kawerau yesterday. Photo / LANI HEPI 130913LH1

Three men are assisting police investigating a double shooting in Kawerau yesterday.

At least three Kawerau homes have been searched by police in the hunt for those involved in the shooting of two men in the town.

The men, aged 38 and 48, were airlifted to Waikato Hospital in critical condition after being shot at a River Rd home at 6.15am yesterday. One received a wound to his chest while the second man received abdominal injuries. Both had surgery yesterday afternoon.

Acting Area Commander Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Standen said a dark sedan had been seen leaving the scene of the shooting. The section of River Rd remained cordoned off for the day and Tarawera High School on River Rd was closed although several teachers remained on site during school hours.

Armed police swarmed a home in Valley Rd about 10am after receiving information related to the shooting.

Following the search a man was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm but the arrest did not directly relate to the shooting, police said.

About 2pm two more homes were searched - one on Sewell St and another on Galway St, which backs on to it.

One neighbour said she had been mowing the lawns moments before armed police stormed into the area. "They came in fast, parked up the driveway, on the kerb and on the street," the woman said. "Then they asked the occupants to come out, over a loudspeaker."

She said police asked numerous times before they shot smoke canisters into the home and barged in single-file behind riot shields, through the front and back doors. "They didn't take anyone away, I don't think anyone was at home."

Both homes underwent forensic examination.

Meanwhile, at the scene of the shooting on River Rd, forensic staff dressed in blue suits and booties combed the front lawn.

The examination carried on around an SLH Labour Hire truck that had been parked on the front lawn for the day. SLH Contracting is a labour provider and industrial/commercial painting contractor. It is understood the two injured men worked for the company. The Rotorua Daily Post contacted SLH Contracting but they did not want to comment.

Last night three Kawerau men were assisting police with their inquiries. Mr Standen said the Kawerau community would hold vital information. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kawerau Police on (07) 308 5255 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.